Out for Undergrad Changes Lives
Written by Health Clayton -Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader and Out for Undergrad Board Chair
Last weekend was the 19th annual kick-off of Out for Undergrad, the world’s largest #LGBTQ2+ #undergraduate #ngo. Each year, we invite a #diverse class of high-achieving LGBTQ2+ #students to our unique conferences, where they’re inspired to pursue ambitious careers.
Our work is driven by a remarkable cadre of leaders, all channeling their skills, energy, and personal journeys into experiences that help students achieve their full potential. Kick-off is an opportunity for us to connect, align on strategy, and prepare for another year of impact.
The inspiring leaders who bring the O4U mission to life.
Four things to know about the experiences our leaders create for students:
- We help students learn about careers in their industry of choice. They hear what life and work are like at top firms in business, engineering, marketing, and tech. They explore a variety of career paths, and consider ways their career and life might unfold in the future. They also connect with recruiters looking for young achievers like them.
- We enable students to harness their LGBTQ2+ identity for career success. Students hear how older, more experienced LGBTQ2+ professionals navigate the cultural and social demands of their workplaces. They learn what it feels like to truly be themself in a professional setting. They also practice leveraging what makes them unique to help them achieve their full potential.
- We kick-start student’s professional network. They meet LGBTQ2+ peers from around the country, forge new friendships, and begin to build a professional network — months or years before they graduate college. They get to know LGBTQ2+ professionals who can act as mentors and offer the advice and support they need to succeed.
- Students don’t worry about cost. The support of participating employers allows us to cover the cost of airfare, lodging, and conference participation for all student attendees. Each year we select a diverse and impressive class of high-achievers, and all admitted students travel, stay, and attend at our expense.
Students tell us the unique experience we provide changes their life. We believe them, because many our leaders participated in the conference when they were in undergrad, and it changed the course of their careers. Thousands of #O4U alumni have joined the ranks of the FORTUNE 500 and government, and become inclusion pioneers in their industries and communities.
O4U Leaders at Kick-Off Preparing for 2023 Programming
This momentum, and the fight for inclusion and equality for our community must continue.
The Center for American Progress recently found that:
- More than 1 in 3 LGBTQI+ adults reported facing some kind of discrimination in the year prior to when they took the survey
- Half of LGBTQI+ adults reported experiencing some form of workplace discrimination or harassment in the past year because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status
- Nearly 4 in 5 LGBTQI+ adults reported they took at least one action to avoid experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status
These alarming numbers remind us why we do the work, and why we need your help. Sustaining our efforts are critical sponsors, many of whom have supported us since 2004. As you think about the impact you and your company will make in 2023, consider referring students to apply, signing up as a mentor, or becoming a conference sponsor.
Join us in our mission in 2023 — To help high-achieving LGBTQ2+ and otherwise diverse students achieve their full potential.
